Modem having embedded network transmission protocols

ABSTRACT

A modem having embedded network transmission protocols is disclosed, that is, a fax/voice high-speed 3-ways data transmission modem having an additional inbuilt Internet transmission protocol communication module is presented. This communication module comprises various Internet protocols (such as PPP, TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, FTP, POP3, SMTP, etc) and various Internet application services that support those protocols. Moreover, the communication module can also connect to computers through either an internal line-connection end or a parallel/serial port. Furthermore, the network functions of network connection and the desired operations are set out in advance under the support of the corresponding BIOS drivers, hence, making the module capable of connecting to the network operations independently. Apart from those, a microprocessor of the present module sets an internal network application temporary storage device, and in the mean while, the network communication service messages of the desired operations can be selectively time stored into an internal memory or a computer&#39;s memory automatically. Any signal of the requiring network functions that has been established in advance once is detected, a “wakeup” signal will be send out to detonate the computer and a network displaying facility, and to touch off a computer peripheral facility automatically for executing said network functions established in advance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a modem, and moreparticularly, relates to a modem having embedded network transmissionprotocols, which doesn't require any computer for automatic networkconnection, and also capable in making computers to connect to thenetwork automatically at a set-time.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In accompanying with popularized applications of Internetprotocols on computers, such as: using HyperText Transfer Protocol(HTTP) and HyperText Markup Language (HTML) to edit, to browse the Web,and monitor status; using Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) andSimple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to receive and sendElectronic-mails (Emails) and to carry out E-mail searching/callingfunctions; and using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to transmit a greatquantity of text data file information, all of the above simply resultin a trend of computer replacement by Internet. Although there aredevices already been put out onto the present market, which do notrequire computer to make connection to the Internet, their functionsstill can not replace computers. Moreover, users of these devices needto dial a number and enter a name of the corresponding Internet ServiceProvider's (ISP's) server, that is the IP address, and some even need anInternet account, which make things even more tedious and annoying.

[0005] Similarly, a drawback still exist for using a computer to connectto Internet, that is, after a modem is connected, TCP/IP, POP3/SMTP,HTTP communication software, etc. must be installed inside the computerthrough Window95 or Window98 software, in order to get connected toInternet. Normally, computer hardware does not include InternetProtocol. Hence, connecting a computer to Internet directly doesn't meanthe computer can use Internet services, where the computer needs toinstall Internet Protocol software in order to use Internetcommunication. Users, whom are not familiar with Internet Protocol won'tknow what to do, and in accompanying with complex operations, the socall “plug and play” will not be achieved. Moreover, as mentionedbefore, to connect to Internet one needs to dial a number and enter aname of the corresponding ISP's server, and even requires an Internetaccount. In particularly, for those notebook users, who need toreceive/send prompt messages quite often, repeating the above tediousand annoying actions for every single connection, not only time is beenwasted, and also unable to make prompt communication, hence result ininconvenience for users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a modem havingembedded network communication transmission protocols, which is capablein connecting to Internet automatically and without the presence of acomputer, hence, obtaining convenient network services.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide the modemhaving embedded network communication transmission protocols, which iscapable in making automatic time connection to Internet for computersand for obtaining convenient network services. Hence, users no longerneed to operate the computer manually and to dial a telephone number forconnecting to Internet, that is, by means of the modem having embeddednetwork communication transmission protocols, automatically executingall kinds of network communication transmission protocol software forimplementing automation network connection services. Furthermore,capable in achieving various network services of network protocolsupports by computers automatically. For example, automatically timebrowsing World Wide Web sites, automatically time receiving/sendingelectronic mails, automatic electronic mail time searching/calling,automatically selecting network messages filtration, automatically timedownloading messages and data information, automatically executingnetwork remote monitoring, automatically receiving/sending faxes, etc.

[0008] In accordance with the above objects, the present inventionprovides a fax/voice high-speed 3-way data transmission modem having anadditional inbuilt Internet transmission protocol communication module.This communication module comprises various Internet protocols, such as,Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Transmission Control Protocol/InternetProtocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), HyperText TransferProtocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Post Office Protocolversion 3 (POP3), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), etc. The variousInternet application services that support those protocols are: WorldWide Web browser engine, E-mail engine, remote control engine, networkmonitoring engine, network receiving/sending fax engine, network voicerecording engine, etc.

[0009] Moreover, the communication module can also connect to computersthrough either an internal line-connection end or a parallel/serialport. Furthermore, the network functions of network connection and thedesired operations are set out in advance under the support of thecorresponding BIOS drivers, hence, making the module capable inconnecting to the network operations independently. The computers arenormally at the shutting down or waiting stage for avoiding powerwastage and hence achieving an efficient resource saving. Amicroprocessor of the present module sets an internal networkapplication temporary storage device, and in the mean while, the networkcommunication service messages of the desired operations can beselectively time stored into an internal memory or a computer's memoryautomatically. Any signal of the requiring network functions that hasbeen established in advance once is detected, a “wakeup” signal will besend out to detonate the computers and a network displaying facility,and to touch off a computer peripheral facility automatically forexecuting the network functions established in advance. In the entiresystem, the only part that requires manual input is the first timeaccording to a network service setting interface to input a dialingphone number, an Internet address and an account of an Internet ServiceProvider's server, and the desiring network services. These data arethen stored into the present communication module and under the guidanceof the corresponding supporting software to enter an automatic networkconnection service module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages ofthis invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a system architectural diagram of a modem havingembedded network transmission protocols of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram of showing the relationshipbetween the modem having embedded network transmission protocols of thepresent invention and a computer;

[0013]FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram of showing remotemonitor/control against office and factory computers through the modemhaving embedded network transmission protocols of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a process flowchart of activating network transmissionprotocols through the modem having embedded network transmissionprotocols of the present invention; and

[0015]FIG. 5 is a process flowchart of automatic activating networkconnection of basic input/output systems of office and factory computersthrough the modem having embedded network transmission protocols of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016]FIG. 1 is in accordance with the system skeleton diagram of amodem having embedded network protocols that is disclosed by the presentspecification. The present high-speed data transmission modem includes adata transmission device 110, which converts digital signals to analogsignals for the transmitting usage of the telecommunication network, andconverts the analog signals received from the telecommunication networkto digital signals. A protocol module 120 has been added for thespecialized usage in network transmissions, where it takes advantage ofdata transmission device 110 to communicate messages and to deliver datainformation through Internet. This protocol module comprises thefollowings: a network physical layer interface 121; a stacked networklayer 122 supporting by network protocols comprises PPP, TCP/IP, UserDatagram Protocol (UDP), etc.; a supporting network protocol socket 123comprises HTTP, FTP, POP3, SMTP, etc.; a network application interface124 comprises Web interface, E-mail interface, monitoring interface,etc.; a supporting network application engine 125 comprises World WideWeb engine, E-mail engine, remote control engine, network monitoringengine, network receiving/sending fax engine, network voice recordingengine, etc.; a network application temporary storage device 126; anordinary line-connection socket 127; a microprocessor 128; a storagepriority controlling device 129; a memory storage module 130; a hostcomputer connection end 131; and a parallel/serial port connection end132.

[0017] Next, in the follow up, a more detailed description on thesystemic working principle of a modem having embedded network protocolsthat is disclosed by the present specification. As we know that,hovering over Internet, a modem is the most fundamental equipment and inorder to be able to connect to the network system, the data transmissiondevice 110 that has been included inside the modem must have the networkphysical layer interface 121. The network physical layer interface mustalso connect to the stacked network layer 122 that comprises InternetProtocol. In accordance with the rules of TCP/IP been included withinInternet Protocol, all Internet Service Providers' servers must use thesoftware that is conformed to Internet Protocol rules, in order to sendand receive network packet data information. Since PPP and TCP/IP arethe most fundamental network transmission protocols, the stacked networklayer 122 specially used in the network communication module must to beable to execute TCP/IP. This particular portion is accomplished in theprior art by establishing software that conforms to Internet Protocoland sharing among all application engines. And now, this particularportion of work is been accomplished in the present invention by addingthe stacked network layer 122 into the modem, and in supporting withnetwork communication.

[0018] In addition, data within the network are transmitted by packetingmethod, the standard format of Internet data packet is based on UserDatagram Protocol (UDP), which makes the format of network packetdoesn't need to rely on other network techniques. Internet data areplaced inside a network packet and been sent out within the network.Once the network packet arrive in next computer or next networkfacility, the computer will unpacket the packet, extract the data, checkfor the packet's destination address, and work out how to handle thedata. In order to realize the path selection and the passing on of thedata, every single computer that links to the network must assign anInternet address or account where it belongs to. The prior art methodoften needs to install related Internet software for entering Internetaddress or account. However, the method for automatic network connectionof the present invention only require to enter and store Internetaddress or account into the present modem once through computer or othernetwork facility. The network protocol module 120 will automaticallyaccomplish the network connection job that follows.

[0019] Moreover, on this fundamental TCP/IP, as what is shown in FIG. 1,the network protocol module 120 further established the supportingnetwork protocol socket 123, the network application interface 124, andthe supporting network application engine 125 for establishing networkfunctions in advance. For example: HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) of the World Wide Web engine and theremote control engine; Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) and SimpleMail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) of the E-mail supporting engine and thefax/voice engine. Furthermore, these network application interfaces andengines can be established through the network application temporarystorage device 126 inside the module. The network application temporarystorage device 126 can also transmit data to the stacked network layer122 and/or to the storage priority controlling device 129 through theordinary line-connection socket 127. The storage priority controllingdevice 129 decide the priority sequence of storing the data informationfrom the stacked network layer, the supporting network protocol socket,the network application interface, the supporting network applicationengine, the ordinary line-connection socket, and the microprocessor 128to the memory storage module 130.

[0020] When a corresponding application engine is on duty, the temporalmessages and data information that are required can be firstly storedinto the memory storage module 130 within the module through the storagepriority controlling device 129. Once the microprocessor 128 detected aninsufficient capacity within the memory storage module 130, it will sendout an “wakeup signal” and detonate the host computer and/or otherstorage mediums, and also detonate the corresponding software fordownloading to computer storage and display. Apart from it, themicroprocessor 128 is also used to manage the connection job between thepresent module and the network during the shutdown of the host computerand/or other network connection facilities. It monitors the originalinbuilt data transmission device 110, and at the same time,communicating with the computer and/or other network connectionfacilities. Moreover, the microprocessor 128 set out the working methodof connecting the computer to the network, and the network functions ofthe modem under the support of the corresponding BIOS software. Beyondall questions, all of the works above only require one establishment bythe computer keyboard, which includes the inputting task for Internetaddress and/or account, and for connection telephone number. As a resultof this, the modem having embedded network protocols of the presentinvention can connect to the network independently at a set time, whichdoesn't need to turn on the host computer or any other networkconnection facilities. Power wasting can be avoided and hence achievingan efficient resource saving. Once more, when the microprocessor 128 ofthe present module 120 detects any signal of the requiring networkfunctions that has been established in advance, it will follow theautomatic guidance of a corresponding software and connect through thehost computer connection end 131 and/or the parallel/serial portconnection end 132 to “wakeup” the host computer and/or the networkdisplaying facilities in order to display the requiring network functionmessages. The microprocessor 128 might also detonate peripheralequipment and hence carrying out the network monitoring function.Naturally, in executing the above functions need to be supported by BIOSsoftware, thus bring in a greater conveniency to users.

[0021]FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a connection between a modem 220 havingembedded network protocols of the present invention and a computer 210.The interior components of the computer 210 mainly comprise a powerswitch 211, a power supply 212, a motherboard 213, a microprocessor 214,etc., and the modem of the present invention connect to the network by aphone line 230. That is, the computer is “offline” ordinarily and can betime connected to the network, where the service jobs of networkconnection are accomplished by the modem of the present inventionautomatically. Hence, network data message transmission and/or remotecontrol are performed. The modem of the present invention can alsoconnect to other network facilities.

[0022]FIG. 3 shows a manner of remote monitor/control office and factorycomputers through the modem having embedded network protocols of thepresent invention. In accompanying with the popularization of computer,the working manner tends to become more elastic, one can use a homecomputer to operate and control remote office and factory computers.Moreover, there is no need to turn on the computer for getting anautomatic display of the requiring network services. All of the aboveexecution can be achieved by installing the modem of the presentinvention. It is simply because the modem of the present inventioncomprises PPP, TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP, etc., hence capable in carrying outremote data transmission and monitoring against factory's operatingconditions. In accordance with what is shown in FIG. 3, all computersare installed with a modem of the present invention. Computer 310 is anoffice computer used in remote data transmission. Computer 320 is afactory computer, which brings monitoring into practice. Computer 330 isa household computer. When working a home, the office computer 310 andthe factory computer 320 are the only advance established networkconnection by a modem of the present invention. The requiring networkremote control functions and file transmission function are alsoestablished in advance for the conveniency of transferring back theoffice computer's messages and the factory computer's monitoring data.At the same time, establishing the IP address of the household notebook330, the office computer 310, and the factory computer 320 in advanceand storing into the modem. In supporting by corresponding software,automatically enters to the office computer 310 and the factory computer320 at a set time.

[0023] The operating flowchart of the above is shown in FIG. 4. First ofall, user turns on the computer and establishes corresponding networkservices 410, such as, remote monitoring, file transferring back, aswell as the corresponding IP address for the computer. Then, one canchoose whether to turn on the computer by time activation 420 fordisplaying a message monitoring homepage and gaining information.Sequentially, automatic connection to the network and receiving limitsof authority for login to the computer 440. Once success in login to thecomputer, the computer been login will be automatically turned on fornetwork connection. Under the support of the corresponding BIOSsoftware, the corresponding network protocols will be automaticallyactivated for receiving information 450, after then, get off the network460 or send out controlling messages to pop out a monitoring interfaceselection 470 for carrying out network remote control 480. If theautomatic time connecting network is not needed, the computer can stillbe turned on by the usual manners 490.

[0024]FIG. 5 is used for explaining the operating flowchart of networkconnection by BIOS automatic activation. When a modem of the desiredlogin computer accepted and downloaded the advance established networkfunction messages 510, a “warning” signal will be generated. Themicroprocessor 128 of the network protocol module 120 will send out acontrolling signal to activate the computer 520. Moreover, the computerwill automatically activate the advance established network functions byBIOS for receiving network's operating messages from the modem, anddisplaying the messages on the computer monitor 530. In the mean while,under the support of BIOS corresponding software and network protocols,the information of the office computer 310 and/or the messages of thefactory monitoring computer 320 can then be transferred back to thehousehold computer 330 by using a certain interface. Therefore, backtransmission and monitoring of network remote information can berealized, otherwise activating computers by the usual method 540.

[0025] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made without departing from what is intended to belimited solely by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modem having embedded network transmissionprotocols, said modem comprising: data transmission means, whichconverts digital signals to analog signals for the transmitting usage oftelecommunication network, and converts the analog signals received fromtelecommunication network to digital signals; and a network transmissionprotocol module, which takes advantage of said data transmission meansto communicate messages and to deliver data information throughInternet.
 2. The modem in accordance with claim 1 only require to enterand store Internet address or account into said modem once through anetwork connection facility, said network transmission protocol modulewill automatically accomplish the job of network connection that followsand in future use.
 3. The modem in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidnetwork transmission protocol module further comprises: a networkphysical layer interface, which takes advantage of said datatransmission means for connecting network system; a stacked networklayer, which connects to said network physical layer interface, andsupports by internet protocol and internet data packet protocol forsending and receiving network packet data information, as well assupporting network communication protocol; a supporting network protocolsocket, which connects to said stacked network layer; a networkapplication interface, which connects to said supporting networkprotocol socket; a supporting network application engine, which connectsto said network application interface, and in cooperating with saidsupporting network protocol socket and said network applicationinterface for executing network functions established in advance;network application temporary storage means, which uses to establishsaid supporting network protocol socket, said network applicationinterface, and said supporting network application engine for executingsaid network functions established in advance; an ordinaryline-connection socket, which can transmit data information from saidnetwork application temporary storage means to said stacked networklayer; a microprocessor is used to “wakeup” a computer and a networkdisplaying facility, and to touch off a computer peripheral facilityautomatically once a signal of said network functions established inadvance is been detected for executing said network functionsestablished in advance; storage priority controlling means, whichdecides a priority sequence of storing data information from saidstacked network layer, said supporting network protocol socket, saidnetwork application interface, said supporting network applicationengine, said ordinary line-connection socket, and said microprocessor; amemory storage module, which takes advantage of said storage prioritycontrolling means to decide said priority, sequence for storing datainformation; a computer connection end is used for the purpose oftransmitting data information with a connected computer; and aparallel/serial port connection end is used for the purpose oftransmitting data information with a network connection facility.
 4. Themodem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said stacked network layerfurther comprises transmission control protocol/internet protocol. 5.The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said stacked network layerfurther comprises user datagram protocol.
 6. The modem in accordancewith claim 3, wherein said stacked network layer further comprisespoint-to-point protocol.
 7. The modem in accordance with claim 3,wherein said supporting network protocol socket further compriseshypertext transfer protocol.
 8. The modem in accordance with claim 3,wherein said supporting network protocol socket further comprises filetransfer protocol.
 9. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidsupporting network protocol socket further comprises post officeprotocol.
 10. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidsupporting network protocol socket further comprises simple mailtransfer protocol.
 11. The modem in accordance with claim 3, whereinsaid network application interface further comprises world wide webinterface.
 12. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidnetwork application interface further comprises electronic mailinterface.
 13. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidnetwork application interface further comprises monitoring interface.14. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supportingnetwork application engine further comprises world wide web engine. 15.The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supporting networkapplication engine further comprises electronic mail engine.
 16. Themodem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supporting networkapplication engine further comprises remote control engine.
 17. Themodem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supporting networkapplication engine further comprises network monitoring engine.
 18. Themodem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supporting networkapplication engine further comprises network sending/receiving faxengine.
 19. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidsupporting network application engine further comprises network voicerecording engine.
 20. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidsupporting network application engine is on duty, the temporal messagesand data information that are required can be firstly stored into saidmemory storage module through said storage priority controlling means.21. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said microprocessordetects an insufficient capacity within said memory storage module, itwill send out an “wakeup signal” and detonate an external storage mediafor downloading into said external storage media.
 22. The modem inaccordance with claim 3, wherein when said microprocessor is used toshutdown said network connection facility, said microprocessor can alsomanaging the job of network connection for said network transmissionprotocol module, monitoring against said data transmission device, andcommunicating with said network connection facility.
 23. The modem inaccordance with claim 3, wherein said microprocessor sets out a workingmethod for connecting to said network connection facility, sets out saidnetwork functions established in advance for said modem all under thesupport of a basic input/output system software, beyond all questions,all of the works above only require one establishment, which includesinternet address, account, and a connection telephone number, as aresult of this, said modem can connect to internet independently at aset time, which does not need to activate said network connectionfacility.
 24. The modem in accordance with claim 3, wherein saidmicroprocessor detects a signal of said network functions established inadvance, it then follows an automatic guidance of a correspondingsoftware and by means of said computer connection end for “wakeup” saidcomputer and said network connection facility automatically.
 25. Themodem in accordance with claim 3, wherein said microprocessor detects asignal of said network functions established in advance, it then followsan automatic guidance of a corresponding software and by means of saidparallel/serial port connection end for “wakeup” said computer, saidnetwork connection facility automatically, and said computer peripheralfacility.
 26. A process flow for activating network transmissionprotocol within a modem having embedded network transmission protocols,said process flow comprising the followings: establishing a requiringnetwork service in advance; activating a computer at a set-time by saidmodem; dialing and connecting to internet automatically at said set-timeby said modem; receiving a limit of authority for login to said computerby said modem; obtaining information through said network transmissionprotocols by said modem; and popping out a monitoring interfaceselection for carrying out a network remote control through said networktransmission protocols by said modem.
 27. The process flow in accordancewith claim 26, wherein the basic input/output system of activating saidlogin to said computer for a network connection process flow comprisesthe following steps: accepting a network function message established inadvance by said modem of said login computer; activating said logincomputer by said modem; obtaining a network operating message from saidmodem by said login computer; and displaying said network operatingmessage at a login computer monitor.